Neurological Care

Knapp Medical Center: the mid- Vallely’s Only Primary Stroke Center

Welcome to Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco, your award-winning destination for stroke care. We are proud to introduce our Primary Stroke Center, powered by the most advanced technology through Viz.ai, and in partnership with the DHR Stroke Network. Our commitment to providing critical care in a timely manner is second to none.

At Knapp Medical Center , we understand the urgency of stroke care and the importance of quick intervention. That’s why our Advanced Primary Stroke Center is equipped with the latest technology and supported by a team of interventionists dedicated to identifying and removing blockages in the arteries which supply blood to a patient’s brain.

Stroke is an Emergency – Call 911 Without Delay

At Knapp, a “clot-busting” medication called tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) is used when medically indicated to reverse strokes or “brain attacks”. The medication is most effective if it is administered as soon as possible from when symptoms of a stroke start – and no later than three to four and a half hours after the onset of a stroke. Because of this tight time window, it is important to call 911 immediately when a loved one or another person shows symptoms of a ‘brain attack’.

Related Knapp Services

Signs & Symptoms of Stroke

“BE FAST” – by calling 911 if you see any of these symptoms:

“B” is for BALANCE: Look at the person … is he or she suddenly having trouble with walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination?

“E” is for EYES: Does the person have sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes?

“F” is for FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Does their smile look uneven?

“A” is for ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Is one arm numb or weak?

“S” is for SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?

“T” is for TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately. Also, note the time that symptoms of stroke first started; that will be important information to give to the medical professionals who treat the stroke victim.

Tele-Neurology

Emergency room patients at Knapp Medical Center have immediate, 24/7/365 access to board-certified neurologists for the treatment of a wide array of neurological emergencies, including stroke, migraines, seizures, and head injuries. By using high-tech monitors and video equipment, patients and on-site physicians can converse and interact with these specialists remotely. Like Knapp Medical Center, Specialists On Call has received the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval.

What is a Stroke?

Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to the brain and the blood vessels within the brain. A stroke occurs when an artery that carries oxygen to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs — and that part of the brain starts to die.

Risk Factors for Stroke

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Heart disease
Heavy alcohol use
Smoking
Diabetes
Physical inactivity and obesity
Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
Family history of stroke

See Our Video on Stroke:

Knapp Medical Center receives Gold Plus award for care of stroke patients

Primary Stroke Center

Knapp Medical Center’s Primary Stroke Center, powered by Viz.ai and supported by the DHR Stroke Network, is dedicated to providing our patients with the highest level of stroke care, giving them the best chance for recovery.

Trust our experienced team to deliver compassionate care, advanced technology, and timely interventions when it matters most.

Knapp Medical Center Primary Stroke Center, powered by Viz.ai and in partnership with the DHR Stroke Network, is your premier destination for stroke care. We are committed to ensuring that you receive the critical care you need, when you need it.

Additional Resources on Stroke

American Stroke Association

This division of the American Heart Association offers support, information, and more.

www.strokeassociation.org

National Stroke Association

The National Stroke Association devotes all its resources to stroke. Supported by major pharmaceutical and medical device makers, it offers information and support to patients, caregivers, and medical professionals.

www.stroke.org